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The Need for a Cultural Shift on Gender-based Violence by Laura Finley, Ph.D.

November 25th kicked off the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. At no time has this work been more necessary than now. From rampant sexual harassment to sexual assault, domestic violence and sexual trafficking, women across the globe and in the U.S face gender-based violence at horrifying rates.

I’d like to start with my recent personal experience, although it was definitely not the first time I have experienced it in my 45 years. I share these experiences because while there has been important attention paid lately to men in power abusing women who are their subordinates in the workplace or other realms, it’s essential to remember that “everyday” men also commit these same acts of sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. Not because their work position affords them any particular power over a woman but because the general sense that they are entitled to do and act as they please is prevalent in how many boys and men are socialized. Not long ago, I experienced unwanted sexual conduct from someone half my age. He had no social power over me other than the fact that he’s a male in a culture in which some males are taught that things are theirs for the taking. Likewise, on my campus I have been catcalled by boys recently out of high school who feel entitled to yell repulsive things. A 15-year-old girl I know was harassed by much older men while wearing a caroling costume for a holiday event. This is ubiquitous, so normalized that people are surprised by all the allegations that are emerging. We should not be. Horrified, yes. Outraged, yes. But not surprised.

Here is why we should not be surprised: Statistics have long shown the scope of these problems. Studies have found that some one-third of American women experience sexual harassment in the workplace. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one-third of the world’s women has endured physical or sexual intimate partner violence. Domestic violence kills more women worldwide than civil wars. Far more people in America, largely women, have been killed by their partners than were U.S forces in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, combined. American women are twice as likely to suffer domestic violence as breast cancer. In the U.S., more women are injured from domestic violence than from car accidents, rapes, and muggings–combined. A woman in the U.S. is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds, according to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). Women and young girls are sold into sexual slavery, not just overseas but on American soil. They are often recruited from websites like Backpage and Craigslist with promises of lucrative modeling or acting jobs. More than 3,500 sex trafficking cases were reported to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center in 2016, a figure that far underestimates the scope of the problem given that most instances are not reported and a girl can be trafficking multiple times per day.

Males in powerful positions are even more able to exploit and demean women and those they see as powerless, as these people fear they will lose their jobs, their reputation, and even their lives if they resist or if they tell anyone. This is tremendously clear with the spate of sexual harassment, misconduct and assault allegations being levied against politicians, media moguls, and celebrities, including but sadly not limited to Bill Cosby, Bill O’Reilly, Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Matt Lauer, Garrison Keillor, Roy Moore, Al Franken and of course, Donald Trump.

What are we to do? The good news is there is a lot that is already happening. New laws are criminalizing revenge pornography, helping to stop males from sharing provocative photos and imagery as a means of controlling women. Women are speaking out about the harassment, abuse and assault and refusing to be silenced. Legal settlements like the recent one in Seattle that three women who were sold into sexual slavery when they were 13 to 15 years old were awarded against Backpage. Activists are continuing to strategize and build on the energy and momentum from last years’ Women’s marches.

In South Florida, I am fortunate to be able to work with a non-profit organization, No More Tears, which helps victims of many of these forms of gender-based violence. This unique organization is entirely volunteer-run and provides comprehensive services that allow victims to heal and to build happy and healthy lives. Additional information about No More Tears is available at www.nomoretearsusa.org. I am also co-organizer of the College Brides Walk, a dating and domestic violence awareness campaign that reaches several thousand high school and college youth. More information can be found at www.collegebrideswalk.com.

We know more such organizations are needed nationwide. It is my hope that the increased conversation about these issues is indeed a cultural tipping point. Enough is enough.

Laura Finley, Ph.D., teaches in the Barry University Department of Sociology & Criminology and is syndicated by PeaceVoice.

The Veterans Business Outreach Center, California Department of General Services, California Department of Veteran Affairs, U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs – SAOWEST, and U.S. General Services Administration are co-hosting the 2nd Annual Small Business Summit on Friday, December 15th, 2017 commencing 9:00 am and concluding 4:00 pm. The event is located at the California Department of General Services, Ziggurat Building, in both the Atrium and Auditorium, 707 Third Street, West Sacramento, California 95605.

The summit activities include: Opening Remarks with Dignitaries and Public Officials, Learning Sessions, Networking with small business advocates, contracting officers, lenders, and technical service resource partners. Exhibit Hall open all day, breakfast and luncheon will be served.

The Learning Sessions will include the following topics: · State of California Contracting Opportunities– Turning Contacts into Contracts · Access to Capital Panel – Where is the Money! U. S. Small Business Administration · Contracting Opportunities with SAOWEST, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs · Cracking the Code to Government Contracting · Cybersecurity for Small Businesses · Supplier Diversity and Prime Contracting Opportunities

Bring your capabilities statements and business cards for networking with contracting officers and decision makers. Date: Friday, December 15th, 2017

Every year, communities across the United States and the world are struck by NATURAL DISASTERS causing widespread damage and impacting the most vulnerable. There are over 22 MILLION MILITARY VETERANS living in the U.S. Their unique skills, experience, and passion for serving others make them America’s greatest national resource. Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS https://teamrubiconusa.org/

In Lassen County, 72 percent of voters chose Donald Trump in the November 2016 presidential election. Since then, progressives in this rural Northern California county have found their voices, starting the grassroots Lassen Indivisibles and establishing a Democratic Committee to organize resistance to Trump’s agenda. On Saturday, about 20 people turned out to protest the tax cut bill, joined by Congressional candidate Marty Walters and waving colorful signs at passing motorists in Susanville.

“This tax bill will add at least one trillion dollars to our national debt, even with the rosiest economic assumptions,” said Walters, “and that will be a debt our children and grandchildren will have to fix. Most of us living in California will end up paying higher taxes to subsidize millionaires and large corporations.”

In a November 20 press release, incumbent Congressman Doug LaMalfa stated, “We are delivering on the promise we made to the American people to make paying taxes fair and simple.” Despite his promise to deliver tax cuts to most families in his district, many Northern Californians are concerned about how the elimination of important deductions will affect them, like those for state and local taxes, tuition and student loan expenses.

Democratic challengers to LaMalfa, including Walters, will be visiting Susanville on December 17, 2017 for a candidate forum. The event will take place at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall at 1 p.m.

Marty Walters for Congress

Marty Walters is running for Congress to represent one of California’s largest and most rural districts, the First Congressional District, to give voice to our unique views and needs. She is running on a platform of building new rural economies, including better internet for rural people. A key aspect of our new rural economy is managing our forests and watersheds for fire resilience and sustainable water, timber, and recreational use. Walters will also work to develop roadmap toward single payer healthcare.

Walters is the first candidate for federal office from Plumas County, California.

The main tips for holiday and travel safety include:
Stay off the road during and after a winter storm.
Keep candles away from flammable materials or consider using flameless candles instead.
Keep an eye on food when cooking.
Turn off holiday lights at night.
Keep your tree watered, do not let your holiday tree dry out.
Shop securely online over the holidays.

Decorate Safely for the Holidays – Water Your Christmas Tree Every Day
Keep your holidays happy with safe decorations.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. Be fire smart as you deck the halls for a festive holiday season with these USFA tips:

Water Christmas trees every day. A dry tree is dangerous because it can catch fire easily.
Make sure Christmas trees are at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Also, make sure the tree does not block exits.
Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up. Throw away strands with frayed or pinched wires. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
Turn off all holiday lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where you can not knock them down.
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns. Never leave a burning candle alone in an empty room.

Featured

White House VA Hotline Now Fully Staffed
and Operational Around the Clock to Serve Nation’s Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that the White House VA Hotline, first launched in June as part of President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to reforming VA, is now fully staffed with live agents working to serve Veterans 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

The hotline, which became 24-hour operational in mid-October, is now staffed by a team consisting of 90 percent Veterans or employees who have a Veteran family member, and is in response to Veterans’ requests to talk to agents who could relate to their experiences.

“The White House VA Hotline provides our nation’s Veterans with a direct, dedicated contact line that allows them to interact with highly trained, live agents to answer their needs and concerns,” said VA Secretary David J. Shulkin.

“Since the initial launch of the hotline in June, we listened to our Veterans, who indicated that they prefer speaking with other Veterans and Veteran family members, and we adjusted our hiring based on that feedback,” added Shulkin.

“We’re proud that the hotline is now staffed 24/7 by a team of mostly Veterans or Veteran family members who have direct knowledge of their particular concerns and can use their experience to address them in the best way possible with the resources of the VA. This represents a true win-win for Veterans and their loved ones.”

Since 24/7 coverage began in October, the hotline has served more than 10,000 callers.

Hotline agents answer inquiries, provide directory assistance, document concerns about VA care, benefits and services, and expedite the referral and resolution of those concerns. Agents undergo regular updates and training on VA services based on hotline trends and are assisted by newly implemented tracking software to help VA capture and improve its response, referral and resolution processes to best support Veterans.

The hotline can be accessed at 855-948-2311 and is VA’s first non-clinical, non-emergency around-the-clock call center. It provides Veterans a supplemental option to report issues if they are not being addressed through VA’s normal customer service channels.

The hotline’s agents are located at a VA facility in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Agents have access to a multitude of resources and contact information to help Veterans. The hotline also generates real-time reports to VA experts who can help address the specific issues of Veterans as well as make better-informed decisions on where program improvements are needed.

Featured

Did you ever look at someone’s holiday decorations, and wonder how they got all of that glittery perfection finished just a few days after Thanksgiving…and then wonder how much time is actually involved in creating that wonderful festive scene…in every square inch of their home? Yeah, me neither. Quite frankly, I never wondered about it because I was far to amazed to ask. Some people are just really good at getting everything decorated to pieces for the winter holiday season. I am not one of those people. Years ago, I was one of those people. So much so that by the time the Sun set on the say after Thanksgiving, my entire home looked like it just got dipped in holiday frosting, and sent through the sparkle machine. We spend a tremendous amount of everything to try and ensure that everyone we know has the perfect holiday season. However, here are some interesting statistics about Christmas that we’re probably blissfully unaware of.

Approximately 71% of people plan to shop on line this year, with a whopping 45% planning on doing all of their shopping on line. 51% of people still enjoy getting handwritten holiday cards (via US Postal service, or otherwise). 32% of people plan on spending more this year, than they did last year, on holiday gift purchases. Only 13% of people prefer e-cards to real cards in the post. Good news for the environmentalists, is in the fact that 98% of all Christmas trees are grown on farms, and 93% of real Christmas trees are recycled. Also good news, is that over 46 million Christmas tree seedlings were planted last year by US tree farmers/growers, with slightly over 350,000 acres of land being used strictly for the growth of Christmas trees, thereby employing an estimated 100,000 people throughout the year. Back in 2012, 24.5 million real trees were purchased for a total of 1.01b USD. You’ll probably be interested in knowing that Oregon is the leading producer of both Noble and Douglas fir trees, while North Carolina is the leading producer of Frasier fir trees.

So, deck the halls, the stalls, the walls….and spare no expense about it. Wait, actually, do spare some expense. Look, as much fun as this time of year is, people have this odd habit of bringing themselves to the brink of total collapse by the end of the month. Stop. Breathe. Relax. Rest. This time of year is, unfortunately, also one of the most stressful times of the year. Please stop and take time for yourself. Give yourself a time out with a good book, a soft blanket and a nice drink. Take naps. Take hot baths. Do not let yourself get stressed out any more than you can currently handle. Not only is it not healthy for your body, but it is also not healthy for your mind, or your soul. So, this week…enjoy the holiday times, but also remember to enjoy some good rest and relaxation!

The U.S. president, Donald Trump, revealed his inner nature again earlier this week when he retweeted a series of anti-Muslim propaganda videos from the deputy leader of an ultranationalist, neo-fascist hate group in the UK. Trump sank to a new low in terms of the blatant falsehoods and myths he will invoke and propagate to incite enmity against Muslims. He has demonstrated repeatedly that white nationalism and the demonization of Islam is something that he wholeheartedly embraces and intends to advance at every opportunity. The encouraging news is that Trump’s fear and hate mongering against Islam and Muslims is increasingly being denounced by a wider spectrum of individuals and groups, including many staunch conservatives, both in the U.S. and abroad. The ground swell of resistance is steadily growing.

Generations of immigrants have molded the U.S. into the most pluralistic, multi-cultural country in the world. The nation prides itself on this distinction. Most of its citizens and residents uphold the tenets of freedom of religion, tolerance and diversity and apply the Golden Rule principle in their daily lives. Tragically, however, there are those in our society, like Donald Trump and many on the far-right, who hold deep contempt for Islam, maliciously distorting the teachings and traditions of the faith to foment irrational fear among the public. Oftentimes, they dehumanize Muslims for the purposes of advancing an anti-immigrant, jingoistic agenda. Hate crimes have been an outcome, and increased substantially in the months following the 9/11 attacks. While this violence decreased and leveled off in most years since 9/11 (though remained higher than in the pre-9/11 era), the number of crimes rose back to 9/11-era levels during Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

The international anti-war organization Veterans For Peace (VFP), which has been exposing the true costs of war and militarism since 1985, launched a campaign last year called Veterans Challenge Islamophobia (VCI). The campaign aims to build support and solidarity among veterans and allies to stop anti-Muslim rhetoric and the discrimination, marginalization and oppression of Muslims Americans, as well as Muslims abroad, especially asylum-seekers and refugees. The campaign also educates on why war — most notably the so-called “War on Terror” — is fundamentally rooted in racism and xenophobia. The campaign mission statement begins, “We are United States military veterans, many of whom saw combat in Afghanistan, Iraq and Vietnam, who are appalled by the current spate of bigotry, racism and hatred expressed toward Muslims.” It goes on to say that, “Fear-mongering endangers our national security and gives rise to hatred and racism that play into the hands of an enemy…We can never defend ourselves effectively by playing into our adversary’s strategy, giving credibility to their recruitment propaganda. We endanger ourselves whenever we make that mistake…” The statement concludes with an appeal to all veterans in the U.S. “to let their voices be heard and to stand up for the values of tolerance, respect and love.”

In addition, the VCI campaign seeks to end the discriminatory, unconstitutional and inhumane Muslim travel bans issued by the Trump administration earlier this year. To enhance the effectiveness of this aspect of the campaign, VFP partnered with various peace and human rights groups working to stop the bans, such as the No Muslim Ban Ever campaign, which was organized and led by several groups, including the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and MPower Change.

Shortly after Donald Trump was elected, the VCI campaign released a statement that included the following language: “…Throughout this past year we have called upon Mr. Trump to abandon his divisive anti-Muslim rhetoric. He has done more to legitimize bigotry and create division than arguably any one person has done in the United States in decades…As people of conscience, we must step up our support for marginalized, discriminated, and disenfranchised communities.” The campaign conveyed its “…sincere hope that as Mr. Trump nears his inauguration, he embraces the oath of the Presidency and the sacred tenets of equality to which we as a nation aspire…Mr. Trump will be taking an oath to lead three-hundred million U.S. Americans, of every race, ethnicity, and creed. The eyes of the world are upon him, as is the sacrosanct responsibility and history of the Presidency of these United States.” However, as we have learned over the 11-months since his inauguration, Trump has not only doubled-down on his hate speech but intensified it and translated his xenophobia into policy.

Following Election Day, VFP issued a call to action to resist the hate-filled ideologies and policies of Donald Trump, saying in part, “On the domestic front, we know President-elect Trump provides great momentum to many of the most repressive and dark social tendencies our nation has struggled to discard. Trump’s campaign ran on the toxic energy of hate. It began with calling Mexicans criminals and rapists. It revved up by calling for a ban on all Muslims entering the United States and it completed its triangle of xenophobia and misogyny by defending sexual assault. The Trump campaign has put on a facade of reaching out to the Black community, however his words make it clear that he is hostile to people of color…His hostility is clear enough to White supremacists that many endorsed him as their candidate…The peace movement must stand strong against policies that call for more violence and war. We must resist all forms of hate and xenophobia. We must stand in solidarity with domestic struggles that move forward women’s rights, immigration reform and all forms of racial, economic and social justice. With our allies across all struggles, we must build a full spectrum movement to create peace at home and abroad…” This critical work for peace and justice must continue at all levels. Peace at home is unattainable until peace abroad is realized, and vice versa. Peace is possible when justice prevails.

It is incumbent upon all Americans to condemn and confront hate, counter Islamophobia, and peaceably struggle to block and end attempts by members of our society to induce and incite religious and racial animosity. Commit to speaking out against anti-Muslim propaganda and other forms prejudice, racism and hatred. Stand against anyone who threatens the human dignity and safety of our Muslim neighbors, who, like all fellow human beings, deserve to be treated with respect and love. Hate is the enemy, not Islam.

Brian Trautman is a U.S. Army veteran, peace educator/activist and national board member of Veterans For Peace. He resides in Albany, NY. On Twitter @BrianJTrautman.

The Sierra County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on December 5, 2017 in the Board of Supervisors’ Chambers, Courthouse, Downieville, CA. This meeting was recorded for posting on the Board of Supervisors’ website at www.sierracounty.ca.gov.

STANDING ORDERS

Approval of Consent Agenda, Regular Agenda and Correspondence to be addressed by the Board Approved – 5/0

2.

PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY – Kaylon Hall talked about putting permanent lights on the County Courthouse bridge as her Senior Project at Downieville High School. Citizen Will Clark, Supervisors Adams and Roen have been a help in developing the project.

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS’ REPORTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Director Beals talked about the update work at Kentucky Mine Caretaker Apartment should be done by end of year, appreciates help of Mary and Richard Nourse. Loyalton City property project is near completion with help of SCHS. Adams complimented Director Beals and Supervisor Roen on Solid Waste issue being resolved efficiently. Sheriff Standley discusses structure fire in Loyalton with Board.

5.

FOREST SERVICE UPDATE

District Ranger Karen Hayden on Yuba River Ranger District, gave an update on comments received about Yuba Project. and willing to provide field trips in the future, recognizes, Sharon Dobija and Sharon Lane and Patty Hall for all their support and efforts. Karen plans to retire at the end of this year, 2017, and thanks the Board for cooperation and coordination naming Beals, Huebner, Standley and Steve Folsom particularly. “An honor and a pleasure to work with all of you.”

6.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

6.A.

Presentation by Nick Wobbrock, Blue Forest Conservation regarding the North Yuba Restoration Project and how the Forest Resilience Bond (FRB) can fund much needed forest restoration on National Forest System land. (CHAIR HUEBNER)

Resolution amending Resolution 2016-100 to amend expenditures out of the Fiscal Year 2015 State Homeland Security Grant.

Resolution approving expenditures out of the Fiscal Year 2017 State Homeland Security Grant.

PUBLIC WORKS/TRANSPORTATION – TIM BEALS

9.A.

Authorization to “sole source” professional architectural agreements with Crippen Architecture and Ward-Young Architecture for two remodel projects in support of the Departments of Health, Behavioral Health, and Human Services that require site planning, design, and construction plan preparation.

Report and recommendation of committee organized to evaluate “eastern Sierra County fire services” which was conducted on Thursday, November 16, 2017 in Loyalton.

Reconsideration of action taken on November 21, 2017 to deposit into the general fund the amount of $5,000 from a 2005 donation from PG & E to the County on behalf of the community of Downieville into the County general fund and request that the funds be restored to an expenditure consistent with the intent of the donation made at the time.

Authorization to seek quotes for presentation on December 19, 2017 for the purchase of a waste compactor unit to be installed at the former Loyalton Landfill (now transfer station) as requested and approved in the final 2017‐2018 solid waste disposal operations budget.

Public Works Contract with Wade Willey Construction for labor associated with the renovation of the Kentucky Mine Museum Apartment in an amount not to exceed $7500 and as approved in the County final budget for 2017-2018. (PUBLIC WORKS)

TIMED ITEMS

10.A.

10:00AM

PUBLIC HEARING-GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT-5TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT

Conduct public hearing considering a General Plan Amendment to adopt the 5th Cycle Housing Element.

Resolution approving the General Plan Amendment and adopting the 5th Cycle Housing Element Update, adopting the Negative Declaration and directs filing a Notice of Determination with the Sierra County Clerk, and direction to staff to transmit the adopted Housing Element Update to the State Department of Housing and Community Development for final certification and filing.

AT&T BROADBAND SERVICES

Presentation by Alice Perez of AT&T with respect to the future of AT&T broadband within the county, any possibility of expansion of service over what is presently available, and a description of present AT&T backbone or fiber that is present within the county that could assist other potential providers to provide service using AT&T infrastructure. (SUPERVISOR ADAMS)

CLOSED SESSION

CONSENT AGENDA

Items placed on the Consent Agenda are of a routine and non-controversial nature and are approved by a blanket roll call vote. At the time the Consent Agenda is considered, items may be deleted from the Consent Agenda by any Board member or Department Manager and added to the Regular Agenda directed by the Chairman.

12.A.

Public Works Contract with Wade Willey Construction for labor associated with the renovation of the Kentucky Mine Museum Apartment in an amount not to exceed $7500 and as approved in the County final budget for 2017-2018. (PUBLIC WORKS)

If your facility does not currently participate in online scheduling, please know that we are working to expand access to additional medical centers. We are also working to add additional appointment types. If you need to make an appointment immediately, you can still call the VA health facility where you want to receive care. Find your VA health facility’s phone number.